Index on Censorship has once again come up with the goods. Weep with relief as these visions of the world 'that shall never be the same again' reassure you that not everyone has gone mad, deaf, dumb and blind. Index, as always, provides a forum for the 'radical', a place of safety where those of the leftfield can dodge the hazy stumblings of standard Western political opinion. Which is not to say that Index does not have a position. It sits firmly on the side of basic human rights.

Do not crawl under the cover with this one - it deserves more attention. Anyone who has had even half an eye open will have noticed how much has been missing from the news stories we've been told. Index finds it raison d'être in completing the picture. It goes without saying that terrorism looms large in this edition. Noam Chomsky's crystal-clear article challenges the very essence of the word. Is terrorism only terrorism when it is an act of violence against the strong by the weak? His ideas are so manifest that you feel you must have had them yourself.

This issue concentrates on the future of democracy in a world confused by terror and changing global governance. John Keane's piece is particularly informative, addressing the future of democracy in light of current trends.

It was no mistake that Index was born of Britain. Our international reputation for the protection of civil liberties has attracted some of the world's best minds. Stifled by their own situations, we should feel blessed that they have seen fit to bring their talents here.

However, this issue of Index warns that under the new global atmosphere, Britain is changing at an alarming rate. Will fear bind our hands as we watch our most valued national treasure slip through our fingers? Index on Censorship should be made compulsory reading for all members of the 'free' world.